Preston’s enforcer vows brawn for beautiful Socceroos

After a 40-plus games season in the gritty English Championship, Preston’s Caltex Socceroo defender Bailey Wright says he won't shy from the when England host Australia on Friday night.

Wright, 23, hailed the beautiful way the Socceroos play under Ange Postecoglou.

But against England at the Stadium of Light, Preston’s solidly built central defender won’t take a backward step providing the defensive muscle needed to shackle some of the EPL’s best and help build a platform for an Aussie win.

“If I have to why not? This is England isn’t it?" he said when asked about the physical nature of his game.

“I’ve been here seven years… obviously it’s a game of football so whatever happens, happens. But if it needs to get physical... ” he told reporters on Tuesday.

This clash, in a country that's provided the platform for his national team ascension, will be a timely gauge on how far the defender has come in his career.

“But that’s what you want. To play against players like that. You know you’re good enough, you just want to get the opportunity to prove yourself," he said.

“What an occasion. To play against England in England before they go away to the Euros.